Dublin, February 12: Our bodies emit a symphony of scents that can provide valuable insights into our health. The release of hundreds of chemicals into the air, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), has been studied for decades. From ancient Greek physicians diagnosing diseases through smell to modern scientific techniques uncovering subtle changes in VOC profiles, the aroma we emit has proven to be a rich source of health-related information.
Since the time of Hippocrates, the ancient Greeks believed that our scent changes when we are unwell. While contemporary medicine relies on blood analysis, ancient healers used the distinctive odors to diagnose ailments. Liver failure, diabetes, and various infectious diseases can alter the composition of VOCs in our breath, as Nobel Laureate Linus Pauling discovered in 1971.
Recent research has shown that even Parkinson’s disease can be identified by changes in body odor. A Scottish man’s onset of Parkinson’s was noticed by his wife, who detected a shift in his smell years before the official diagnosis. This revelation has spurred research programs aiming to pinpoint the specific smells associated with different diseases.
Notably, dogs with their advanced olfactory abilities can sniff out diseases, but technological tools like mass spectrometry provide even more nuanced insights into VOC profiles. Scientists envision a future where diseases could be diagnosed simply by analyzing an individual’s breath.
The origin of VOCs extends beyond breath to include emissions from the skin, urine, and feces. Skin VOCs, influenced by skin glands and microbial activity, contribute to our individual scent. Research into skin VOC signatures is still in its early stages, but it holds promise in revealing information about an individual’s gender, age, and potentially their health status.
In a Dublin City University laboratory, researchers are exploring how skin VOC signatures can distinguish between genders and predict age accurately. The skin VOC profile may contain markers related to oxidative stress, a factor linked to aging, nutrition, and overall health. As the study progresses, scientists believe that these VOCs could be used to monitor health and diagnose diseases.
While VOCs play a crucial role in personal scent, they also serve as communication channels for plants, insects, and animals. In the animal kingdom, VOCs can act as aphrodisiacs, contributing to the mating rituals of various species. Although the existence of human love pheromones is still debated, skin VOCs may hold the key to decoding aspects of our identity, including aging, nutrition, fitness, fertility, and stress levels.
As research in this fascinating field continues, the aromatic clues emitted by our bodies may become integral in understanding and maintaining our health.
